A beautifully landscaped garden not only enhances the visual appeal of your property, but could add value to your home. Green savvy homeowners across the UK are finding that investing in landscaping can yield substantial returns. In fact, having a garden (and a good-looking one at that) could add at least 5% value to your home, with some areas seeing a value increase of 11-16%1.
Here are a few areas you can focus on in your journey to garden improvement.
1. Curb appeal
First impressions matter, and a well-maintained garden (both on and off-road) can significantly increase your home’s curb appeal. It’s the first thing most people will see, and a well-designed garden can be a strong selling point.
2. Outdoor living spaces
In the UK, where the weather can be unpredictable (to say the least), having a well-thought-out outdoor living area can be a game changer. Think patios, decks with awnings, or even a charming gazebo. This can not only create some additional usable space, but appeal to those buyers who prefer to enjoy the outdoors in comfort.
3. Native plants and biodiversity
Green landscaping isn’t all about aesthetics; it can also emphasise sustainable practices. Choosing native plants could reduce garden maintenance costs on top of supporting local biodiversity, which is a growing concern for environmentally conscious buyers.
4. Choose low maintenance solutions
Busy homeowners may enjoy a garden, but perhaps not the hours that go into maintaining one every week. While there is always going to be some maintenance needed, especially if you have areas of grass, investing in drought-resistant plants and automated irrigation systems can be a major selling point for many.
5. Energy efficiency
Landscaping can play a role in enhancing a home’s energy efficiency, believe it or not. Strategically planting trees and shrubs can provide natural shade during hot summers, and creating natural windbreaks can help shield a property from icy winds during winter. You can also set up natural water collection systems, which would reduce your overall home water usage in many ways. Read more about that in our article below.
6. Outdoor recreation
For families with children, or anyone who enjoys hosting outdoor activities, an outdoor recreation area is a major bonus. Space for children to play, a well-kept lawn for gatherings, or even an area dedicated to growing herbs and vegetables, can resonate with many potential buyers.
7. Privacy and tranquillity
A thoughtfully designed garden can offer some much needed privacy and tranquillity, especially in today’s busy world. Whether it’s a shield from prying eyes or less noise pollution, buyers who value peaceful surroundings are more likely to look for properties that meet those needs.
8. Less is more
Those looking to increase their home’s value through landscaping should keep in mind that individual tastes vary, and overly extravagant features may not resonate with every prospective buyer. All you need is a garden that’s balanced, well-maintained, and well thought out. Aim for a setup that complements the property’s overall appearance and architecture, and embrace the above points where you can.
Roll up your sleeves
If you’re particularly interested in sprucing up your outdoor space, then it’s definitely something you can largely do on your own. There will be instances where you need a professional, especially if you’re dealing with machinery or large trees, but why not get stuck into a bit of gardening and paving yourself?
Let your creativity flourish and watch your investment grow.
Literally!
If improving or renovating your home to increase the value of your home is something you're interested in, then check out our other article, how to add value to your house!
Sources and references:
Important information
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend on your circumstances. The fee is up to 1% but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.
Related Articles
The rise of the green consumer
What does a sustainable home look like?
